University Health Service (UHS) Health Promotion Office

Bicycle, Pedestrian, & Motor Vehicle Safety

Safety Tips on Campus

When bicycling on the sidewalk, give pedestrians warning that you are coming up behind them either using your bell or saying "passing on the left."

Properly wearing a helmet when cycling is your best means of protection against injury regardless of how old you are.

Wear only one ear bud when listening to your iPod to help you be more aware of your surroundings.

When walking across the street, look both ways for cars and other vehicles in the road. Even though you have the right of way in a crosswalk, you want to be sure the driver sees you before you step off the curb.

Bicycle Laws

Every person riding a bicycle on a roadway has the same rights and duties of those driving motor vehicles.

Bicyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic, rather than against it.

Bicyclists may travel side-by-side on the road, but must ride in single-file when other vehicles need to pass.

Bicyclists must signal to turn on a roadway, a bike lane or bike path. Click here to learn the proper hand signals for bicyclists.

A bicyclist cannot wear more than one earphone when listening to a radio or other audio device.

Reflectors, a headlight and taillight must be used on a bicycle when driving at night.

At least one hand must be on the bicycle handlebar at all times.

Wear Your Helmet!

Head injury is the leading cause of death and permanent disability in bicycle crashes.

Head injuries account for:

More than 60 percent of bicycle-related deaths.

More than 2/3 of bicycle-related hospital admissions.

About 1/3 of hospital emergency department visits for bicycling injuries.

Pedestrian Laws

Pedestrians are required to use sidewalks where they are provided and safe.

When sidewalks are not provided, a pedestrian is required to walk on the left side of the roadway facing traffic.

Pedestrians are not allowed on expressways or interstate highways.

A pedestrian must obey traffic, control signals, signs, and pavement markings when they are crossing the street.

If there is not a crosswalk, sign or signal, a pedestrian must yield the right of way to all cars.

Motor Vehicle Laws

Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, especially if a pedestrian is in a crosswalk.

Motorists are required to switch lanes and give safe clearance to law enforcement officer on roadsides.

Drivers cannot operate a motor vehicle while using any portable electronic device while the vehicle is in motion including cell phones or music playing devices.

Drivers emerging from or entering an alleyway, building, private road or driveway must yield to any pedestrian that is on or approaching any sidewalk extending across such alleyway, building entrance, road or driveway.